Overcoming Barriers to Adoption of Transdermal Delivery

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Ester is a multidisciplinary scientist with a background in biotechnology, biochemistry, and bioengineering. She has held diverse roles across startups, pharma, and consulting, and currently serves as Director of Strategic Innovation at Chiesi USA. In this role, she scouts cutting-edge technologies and companies to advance treatments for patients with rare diseases. At MIT, she developed an oral insulin pill, earning recognition as one of MIT Technology Review’s 35 Innovators Under 35. Ester advises international startups and academic programs, speaks seven languages, and advocates for women’s career development in science.

Dr Tycho Speaker’s comprehensive background in pharmaceutical and materials sciences, coupled with a doctorate in physical chemistry, has contributed to a career marked by significant achievements and contributions to drug delivery technology. Over the past two decades, he has worked primarily in the field of transdermal and intradermal drug delivery, with numerous patents and engagements that contribute to advancements in this sector, including work as part of the PATH Microneedle Array Patch (MAP) Center of Excellence. Currently serving as the Director of Drug Delivery and Biomaterials at AbbVie, Dr Speaker continues to drive the development of innovative drug delivery systems. 2025 marked the publication of his work on a post-driven “patchless” microneedle delivery system to bridge microneedle delivery with existing aseptic fill line infrastructure for global public health.